Jenna was born prematurely and at 18 months old was diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia, a form of white-matter brain injury that affects motor skills. That led to a diagnosis of Spastic Diplegia, a form of Cerebral Palsy known as “Little’s Disease.”

Jenna has had two surgeries. First came a Dorsal Rhizotomy, which accesses the spine and selectively destroys problematic nerve roots to relieve leg spasticity. Then in March of 2014, she had a femoral osteotomy, a difficult procedure that typically involves cutting, shaping or removing bone. She had this procedure on both hips.

Jenna has received direct support from Kosair Charities, including an adaptive eating seat that insurance would not cover. And since age three she has received occupational and physical therapy at The Kids Center for Pediatric Therapy, which receives major support from Kosair Charities. Jenna loves going there. “It doesn’t seem like doing therapy,” her mother Rawan said. “They make it fun for her.”

Jenna’s mother and father are among the many parents in and around Louisville who can hardly believe they found something like Kosair Charities. “If it weren’t for Kosair Charities,” Rawan said, pausing. “Oh goodness—Jenna wouldn’t be where she’s at. They help with things that insurance won’t pay for.”